There is a worrying and growing trend in this country for mainstream TV programmes that are designed, in essence, to inform us of the lives of particular social groups.
It is a move away from the zoo like quality of Big Brother, where relatively diverse arrays of desperate wannabes exhibit their 'qualities' for the (ever shrinking) gawping public.
Now we find ourselves presented with mono-cultural shows that are sold as being socially educational.
Be it TOWIE, Made in Chelsea, My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding, or more recently The Undateables, the point of these televisual feasts is ambiguous. At best they shine a light onto lifestyles we no nothing of and yet have myriad opinions.
At worst, they become voyeuristic, freak shows that do nothing but titillate outrage and reaffirm stereotypes. The worst of these has to be Benefits Street. Here we are treated to nothing more than an opportunity to spout hatred and ridicule, exactly the sort of exploitative behaviour that vulnerable people do not need.
It has been reported that a number of the 'stars' of this show have received threats of violence and death on social network sites – from people who no doubt consider themselves to be superior social animals than the 'scum' they choose to abuse.
Working in a charity that deals with people who are suffering the effects of homelessness in Hillingdon, I am all too aware of the lives of those who we work with, people who are dealing with very real and challenging issues, fragile lives who are taking the opportunities to journey towards independent, fulfilled lives.
Trinity Homeless Projects has around 100 residents at any given time, and for the majority, the desire to work, earn and leave an increasingly unfair benefits system behind, is a strong motivator. Lying in bed with the curtains closed as the neighbours go off to work is not something that most of our residents aspire to. Sorry George…
These TV programmes only serve as a reminder to us at Trinity that we are not here to judge, to preconceive, to stereotype.
We are here to offer the stability of a home, the affirming behaviour of people who care, and the opportunities for growth and transformation that comes with independence and employment.
Now there are some real benefits …
